Work

A novel approach for microbial activity assessment in bioleaching. Towards to a standardised fast starting up protocol

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Biohydrometallurgy has proven to be a successful industrial method for extracting base metals from sulfidic ores with low-grade content and as a pre-treatment of Au ores. The lack of study of biological aspects related with microbial activity assessment makes it difficult to control and monitor these processes; and the multitude of experimental procedures described in the literature hinders cross-study comparisons among researchers. Experimental tools that allow a quick and reliable quantitative assessment of the iron-oxidising capacity of the cells during the bioleaching process are needed. This work proposes the monitorization of microbial activity evolution through a simple and reliable method based on the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR). The methodology allows to quantify the microbial activity of a growing culture and therefore to assess the occurrence of a biological or chemical limitation. The results obtained reveals that substrate depletion (whatever Fe2+ or O2) has an important impact on the culture activity. This aspect is key to assess a culture suitability for bioleaching bioreactor inoculation, preventing long lag phases. Furthermore, the methodology allows for quick disturbances correction, avoiding process shutdowns and enhances technological reliability of continuous bioleaching.

Source: Minerals Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2024.109053

Authors: Blanca Perdigones, Pablo Ramírez, Alfonso Mazuelos

Institution: Universidad de Sevilla

Language: English

Topic: Metal Extraction and Bioleaching

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,080